Systems Flashcards
Define flow/transfer
A form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves movement of energy or mass.
Define input
The addition of matter and/or energy into a system.
Define store/component
A part of the system where energy/ mass is stored or transformed.
Define system
A set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process.
Define isolated system
No interactions with anything outside the system boundary. There is no input or output of energy or matter. Many controlled laboratory experiments are this type of system and they are rare in nature.
Define closed systems
These have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter.
Define open systems
Matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into the surrounding environment. Most ecosystems are examples of open systems.
Define equilibrium
When there is a balance between the inputs and outputs.
Define positive feedback
Where the effects of an action (e.g. an increase in carbon dioxide) are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on or secondary effects.
Define negative feedback
Where the effects of an action (e.g. increased use of fossil fuels) are nullified by its subsequent knock-on effects.
